moral burden

USAGE SUMMARY

"moral burden" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the responsibility, guilt, or weight that one feels due to their moral beliefs or values. Example: The decision to lie to his boss weighed heavily on John's conscience, as he knew it went against his moral values. The moral burden of his actions consumed him for days.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no decision in this portfolio free of moral burden, he says.

The Guardian

But for the people who do that there's an accumulated moral burden".

Independent

Germany, in particular, carries a unique moral burden; its chancellor, Angela Merkel, has been dogged in her support of Israel.

The Washington Post

But I wonder if he is finally complaining about a financial burden or making light of a moral burden.

Yale University

This is a piteous and exposing process, and one which places a moral burden on the reader.

The Guardian - Books

The British may have conquered an Empire, but it is the English who carry the moral burden of it.

The Economist

The regime's reliance on "mutual surveillance" complicated their moral burden, instilling feelings of shame and guilt that endured long after years of imprisonment and exile.

The New York Times - Books

A trio of women (Michelle Williams, Zoe Kazan, and Shirley Henderson) take on the moral burden of the journey along with its physical burdens.

The New Yorker

The social and environmental costs, the moral burden, the threat to individual health — all seem increasingly hard to justify when weighed against a tenderloin.

The New Yorker

I'm not sure the show is aimed at a broad mainstream audience the way network shows are, nor need it carry a moral burden.

The New York Times - Arts

But I do expect U.N. officials to act in a way that reflects an idea of the greater moral burden of the international community.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the feeling when using "moral burden"; ensure it accurately reflects the gravity of the situation and the individual's emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "moral burden" as a vague descriptor. Always provide clear context to show what actions or circumstances are causing this specific weight or distress; generic use diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral burden" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the weight of responsibility or guilt associated with ethical choices or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral burden" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase that effectively conveys the psychological and emotional weight associated with ethical decisions and actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic discussions. When employing "moral burden", be specific about its origin and intensity to enhance clarity and impact. Related terms such as "weight of conscience" or "ethical responsibility" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Burden of guilt

Similar to “weight of conscience”, it places emphasis to the emotional weight caused by guilty feelings.

Weight of conscience

Highlights the internal struggle and discomfort caused by awareness of wrongdoing or ethical conflict, emphasizing the psychological impact.

Ethical responsibility

Focuses on the obligation to act in accordance with moral principles, shifting the emphasis from the emotional weight to the duty itself.

Moral obligation

Highlights the duty to act in accordance with moral principles, similar to 'ethical responsibility' but with a stronger sense of necessity.

Moral imperative

Highlights a strongly felt principle that compels one to act in a certain way, framing it as an urgent moral necessity.

Sense of guilt

Emphasizes the feeling of remorse or culpability for a perceived transgression, focusing on the emotional consequence.

Onus

A formal term for a duty or responsibility, often legal or ethical, that one must bear. It carries a sense of weight and obligation.

Ethical dilemma

Refers to a situation where there is a conflict between different moral imperatives, presenting a difficult choice.

Ethical quandary

Similar to 'ethical dilemma', this term emphasizes the perplexing and difficult nature of a situation with conflicting moral considerations.

Responsibility

A more general term indicating a duty or obligation, without necessarily implying a negative emotional consequence.

FAQs

How is "moral burden" typically used in a sentence?

It's often used to describe the psychological or emotional weight someone carries when they feel responsible for an ethical dilemma or wrongdoing. For example: "The soldier carried the "moral burden" of his actions during the war".

What are some alternative phrases to "moral burden"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives like "weight of conscience", "ethical responsibility", or "sense of guilt".

Is "moral burden" interchangeable with "ethical dilemma"?

Not exactly. "Moral burden" refers to the weight or responsibility someone feels, while "ethical dilemma" refers to a situation with conflicting moral choices. One may cause the other, but they are distinct concepts.

What's the difference between "moral burden" and "responsibility"?

"Responsibility" is a general term for a duty or obligation. "Moral burden" implies a heavier weight, often with negative emotional consequences. One could have "ethical responsibility" without experiencing a significant moral burden.